Preparing to Take The Title
It is now time to reap the rewards of all of your hard work as a coach, player, and parent: the team has successfully made it to the post-season, with a shot at winning the championship. Those close to the team realize the physical, social, and emotional sacrifices that have been made and, chances are, those who have sacrificed the most stand the best chance to win. But, as most of us know there are no guarantees, and the sporting gods sometimes work in mysterious ways. The diligent physical and mental preparation that has got your team to where it is at today, must also stand the test of intense do-or-die competition. The attitudes and abilities of the team must be nurtured from the very first practice of the season, with the coaching staff being responsible for instilling the notion that all this preparation is geared toward the collective goal of winning a team championship.
Players need to realize that the game itself doesn’t change, only the pressure to perform does. Hence, the practice and pre-game routines should not change simply to reflect the phase of season. Changing the routine will only give the players another aspect of unfamiliarity, on top of probably already playing in a different city, playing more games in a shorter period of time, and against teams that they have never faced before. It must be emphasized by the coaching staff that they have complete confidence in the skills that their players have attained over the course of the year that have got them to this point. Players must realistically examine their respective roles within the framework of the team, and contribute accordingly to the ultimate team goal. A player’s positive mental approach is the product of a coach’s positive feedback, appropriate criticisms, and commitment to help each player to improve his/her game over the course of the year.
Physically, it is probable that players will not be completely healthy come championship time. It is imperative that the coaching staff emphasize proper eating habits, physical conditioning, injury management, and quality repetitions, both over the course of the season and play-off time, so as to maximize a player’s opportunity to be physically and mentally healthy to go out and win that championship.
Mike Wilson is the clinic manager for PURSUIT Training and Rehabilitation, located in the
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